Neon tetras are a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their bright colors and schooling behavior. Their small size makes them ideal for nano aquariums like 5 gallons. However, there are a few factors to consider when stocking neon tetras in a 5 gallon tank.
Quick Answer
The general recommendation is 4-6 neon tetras in a 5 gallon aquarium. This stocking level allows each fish adequate swimming space while still permitting them to school together.
Stocking Considerations
When determining how many neon tetras to keep in a 5 gallon tank, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Tank size – A standard 5 gallon measures 16″ x 8″ x 10″ which provides only limited horizontal swimming space. This restricts the number of fish you can house.
- Schooling needs – Neon tetras are schooling fish that prefer groups of 6 or more. However, a 5 gallon cannot support a full school.
- Waste production – Each neon tetra produces a certain amount of waste. Too many fish raises ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to unsafe levels.
- Oxygenation – Neon tetras have high oxygen needs, especially when schooling. Overstocking can lead to oxygen depletion.
- Filtration capacity – The filter must be able to handle the bioload created by neon tetras and keep water parameters stable.
- Swimming behaviors – Active swimmers like neon tetras need adequate space to engage in normal schooling and foraging behaviors.
Taking all these elements into account, most experts recommend sticking to 4-6 neon tetras in a 5 gallon aquarium. This stocking level balances their schooling requirement and activity level with the tank’s limited capacity.
Recommended Stocking Levels
Here are some commonly recommended stocking numbers for neon tetras in a 5 gallon tank:
- 4 neon tetras
- 5 neon tetras
- 6 neon tetras (max)
Some aquarists report success with up to 8 neon tetras in a 5 gallon. However, this is pushing the limits and should only be attempted by more experienced keepers with robust tank filtration and maintenance routines. The fish may be stressed and unhealthy at higher stocking densities.
Other Tankmates
In addition to the neon tetras, a 5 gallon aquarium may have capacity for a few other peaceful tankmates. Here are some possibilities:
- Dwarf shrimp like cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp
- Snails like nerite snails or mystery snails
- A single dwarf cory catfish or pygmy cory
- A single dwarf gourami or sparkling gourami
- A single betta fish (with caution, may be aggressive to neons)
However, the neon tetra shoal should be established first before adding any other fish. Their schooling needs take priority in the aquarium.
Tank Requirements
To safely house neon tetras, a 5 gallon tank should be:
- Cycled before fish are added
- Heated to 72-82°F with a submersible heater
- Filtered by a hang-on-back or internal power filter rated for 5-10 gallons
- Planted with live plants like java fern, anubias, mosses, etc.
- Decorated with smooth rocks, driftwood, cave structures, etc. to create sight barriers
Perform weekly partial water changes of 25-30% to remove waste buildup. Test water parameters like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness regularly and correct any issues.
Feeding Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are omnivorous and will accept most prepared foods including:
- Micro pellet or flake foods
- Freeze dried worms, brine shrimp, daphnia, etc.
- Live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms
- Vegetables like blanched zucchini or spinach
Feed neon tetras once or twice per day in small portions they can consume within a few minutes. Remove any excess food to reduce waste buildup.
Aquarium Locations
A 5 gallon neon tetra aquarium is best situated:
- Away from direct sunlight which can cause algae growth
- Away from high traffic areas that may disturb the fish
- On a stable, level stand that can hold at least 60 lbs
- Near a power outlet to plug in equipment
A desktop or counter spot is often ideal. Use a mat or stand padding underneath to protect finishes from moisture or spills.
Setting Up the Aquarium
Follow these steps when setting up a 5 gallon neon tetra aquarium:
- Thoroughly wash the tank, lid, and all accessories before filling. Remove rust, soap residue, or manufacturing chemicals.
- Add a 1-1.5 inch layer of aquarium gravel or sand substrate. Contour slightly for depth.
- Fill the tank half full and add dechlorinator as per instructions to treat tap water. Let sit for 24 hours.
- Add rooted live plants, decorations, filter, and heater to the tank.
- Slowly fill tank the rest of the way, adding dechlorinator for the added water volume.
- Install tank lid and light fixture. Let the tank run for at least 1 week to start the nitrogen cycle.
- Test water parameters daily. Do frequent partial water changes whenever ammonia or nitrite exceed safe levels.
- Introduce neon tetras once the tank is fully cycled with zero ammonia and nitrites. Acclimate fish slowly.
- Maintain stable, optimal water quality with partial weekly water changes and filter cleaning as needed.
Cycling the aquarium fully before adding any fish is crucial to provide safe water parameters.
Acclimating Neon Tetras
To avoid stressing new neon tetras, follow this acclimation process:
- Turn off aquarium lights and float the unopened fish bag for 15 minutes to equalize temperatures.
- After floating, open the bag and roll down the sides to add a small amount of tank water every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.
- Carefully net fish from the bag and release into the aquarium.
- Discard transport bag water to avoid contaminating the tank.
- Dim aquarium lights for the first few hours to let the tetras settle in.
- Avoid feeding on day 1. Offer small amounts of food starting on day 2.
Take care not to expose sensitive neon tetras to rapid parameter shifts when introducing them to the aquarium environment.
Signs of Stress
Watch for these signs of stress in neon tetras, which can indicate overcrowding or poor water quality:
- Loss of vibrant colors
- Clamped fins
- Hiding or cowering behavior
- Labored breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Increased aggression or nipping
- Erratic swimming
- Jumping from the tank
Reduce stocking levels, increase aeration, or improve tank maintenance if fish exhibit chronic stress.
Ideal Water Parameters
Neon tetras thrive in water conditions within the following ranges:
| Parameter | Level |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 72°F – 82°F |
| pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Hardness | 5 – 12 dGH |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | < 20 ppm |
Test water parameters weekly and use additives or water changes to maintain the ideal neon tetra environment.
Health Concerns
Some common health issues to watch for in neon tetras include:
- Ich – White grainy spots on skin and fins
- Fin rot – Ragged, decaying fins
- Neon tetra disease – Loss of color, whitish lesions, curved spine
- Bacterial infections – Clamped fins, bloated body, lethargy
- Parasites – Visible worms, loss of appetite and weight
Quarantine and treat sick neon tetras promptly to prevent disease spread. Improve tank maintenance to resolve underlying water quality issues.
Lifespan
In optimal aquarium conditions, neon tetras typically live:
- 5-8 years in captivity
- Up to 10 years in rare cases
Support longevity by providing pristine water, appropriate nutrition, and schools of 6+ neon tetras.
Behavior
Some interesting neon tetra behaviors to observe include:
- Schooling – Swimming closely together in a coordinated group
- Shoaling – Loose groupings with frequent direction changes
- Foraging – Picking at algae, plants, substrates for microorganisms
- Resting – Going motionless while floating or hovering in plants
- Interacting – Following, mimicking, and chasing each other playfully
Their active nature and interactions make them entertaining to watch. Make sure the aquarium layout offers sufficient open swimming space.
Breeding Neon Tetras
Breeding neon tetras in home aquariums is challenging but possible with these tips:
- Condition adults on high protein foods like live worms and brine shrimp.
- Set up a dedicated 10+ gallon breeding tank with fine-leaved plants.
- Use peat filtered water around pH 5-6, temperature 75°F.
- Furnish with spawning mops or meshes for eggs.
- Introduce a sex ratio of at least 2 females per male.
- After spawning, remove adults and treat eggs with antifungal medication.
- Hatch eggs in dim light. Feed fry infusoria for first few days.
Alternatively, consider purchasing captive-bred neon tetra fry from specialty breeders. This yields hardier fish less prone to disease.
Purchasing Healthy Neon Tetras
When shopping for neon tetras, look for:
- Vibrant colors without any fading or dullness
- Active fish that school together in the tank
- No visible spots, lesions, torn fins, or clamped fins
- Slender body shape without any bloating or swelling
- Respiration without labored breathing or gulping at surface
The healthiest neon tetras are captive bred rather than wild caught. Ask the seller for tank parameters and avoid fish from tanks with diseased fish present.
The Bottom Line
When stocked appropriately, neon tetras are an excellent nano fish for 5 gallon aquariums. Limit the number to 4-6 individuals and provide excellent tank maintenance. Test water parameters routinely and feed a varied diet. Observe schooling and shoaling behaviors in these active fish. With good care, neon tetras can thrive for up to 10 years in a small heavily planted tank.
